Where Should I Move
A Practical, Honest Guide to Choosing the Right Place for Your Next Chapter
Few questions feel as exciting — or as overwhelming — as “Where should I move?” Whether you’re relocating for work, family, affordability, lifestyle, or a fresh start, the decision carries weight. The right move can improve your finances, your mental health, your relationships, and your overall quality of life. The wrong one can leave you feeling isolated, stretched thin, or stuck.
This guide isn’t about hype cities or viral rankings. It’s about helping you choose a place that actually fits your life, priorities, and future plans. By the end, you’ll have a clearer framework to answer the question: Where should I move next — and why?
When it’s time to move, choose a team that makes the process simple, reliable, and stress-free. Two Amigos delivers professional moving services built on experience, care, and clear communication—from packing and loading to secure transport and on-time delivery. Whether you’re moving locally, long-distance, or across borders, we handle every detail so you don’t have to. No hidden fees, no guesswork—just dependable service you can trust. Get your free moving quote today and move forward with confidence with Two Amigos by your side.
Start With the Most Important Question: Why Are You Moving?
Before you think about provinces, states, or cities, you need clarity on your motivation. Most moving regret comes from skipping this step.
Common reasons people move include:
Career advancement or a new job
Lower cost of living
Being closer to family or support systems
Lifestyle change (slower pace, outdoor access, warmer climate)
Retirement or downsizing
Divorce, separation, or major life transition
Education
Immigration or cross-border relocation
Your “why” determines almost everything else. Someone moving for career growth will prioritize job markets and networking opportunities. Someone moving for affordability will focus on housing costs and taxes. Someone moving for lifestyle might value nature, walkability, or community over income.
Write your reason down. If you have more than one, rank them. This becomes your decision filter.
Define the Life You Want to Live Day-to-Day
It’s easy to fall in love with a city’s reputation. It’s harder — and more important — to imagine your actual daily life there.
Ask yourself:
What does an ideal weekday look like?
How do you want to spend your weekends?
Do you prefer quiet or activity?
Do you value space or convenience?
Are you more social or home-focused?
For example:
If you love hosting friends, a detached home in a suburban or mid-sized city might suit you.
If you thrive on culture, restaurants, and transit, a dense urban core may feel energizing.
If outdoor time is essential, proximity to parks, trails, lakes, or mountains matters more than nightlife.
The best place to move isn’t the “best city overall.” It’s the place where your everyday life feels easier and more aligned.
Cost of Living: Look Beyond Rent or Home Prices
Many people move to “save money” but underestimate how layered cost of living really is.
Key expenses to compare:
Housing (rent or mortgage)
Property taxes
Utilities and insurance
Transportation (car ownership vs transit)
Groceries
Childcare or education
Healthcare access and costs
Income taxes and sales taxes
A lower housing price doesn’t always mean a cheaper life. Some areas have:
Higher property taxes
Long commutes
Limited competition driving up service costs
Fewer job opportunities, which can affect income stability
Instead of asking “Where is cheapest?”, ask:
Where can I live comfortably on my expected income while still saving and enjoying life?
Employment and Income Opportunities Matter More Than Ever
Even if you work remotely, job markets still matter. Industries rise and fall, and flexibility protects you.
Consider:
What industries dominate the region?
Are there multiple employers in your field?
Is the local economy diversified or dependent on one sector?
What is the unemployment rate?
Are wages keeping up with housing costs?
For remote workers:
Check internet reliability
Time zone alignment
Local coworking spaces
Networking and social opportunities to avoid isolation
For in-person workers:
Commute times
Transit reliability
Career mobility within the region
A move should expand your options, not narrow them.
Family, Relationships, and Support Systems
Location affects more than your bank account — it affects your relationships.
Think honestly about:
How often you want to see family
Whether you’ll need childcare help
Emotional support during stressful periods
Aging parents or long-term caregiving responsibilities
Living far from family can be freeing for some and deeply lonely for others. There’s no right answer — only what fits your situation.
If you’re moving closer to family, also consider boundaries. Proximity can be a gift, but it changes dynamics.
Climate and Geography: More Than Just Weather
Climate impacts your mental health, energy, and lifestyle more than many people expect.
Ask yourself:
How do you feel about long winters or extreme heat?
Do you enjoy seasonal change or prefer consistency?
Are you sensitive to darkness or humidity?
Do you want access to water, mountains, or open land?
Some people thrive in cold, structured seasons. Others feel drained without sunshine. Be honest about what supports you, not what sounds appealing on paper.
Big City vs Mid-Sized City vs Small Town
Each option has trade-offs.
Big Cities
Pros:
Career opportunities
Cultural diversity
Transit options
Entertainment and dining
Cons:
Higher cost of living
Smaller living spaces
Noise and congestion
Competitive job markets
Mid-Sized Cities
Pros:
Balance of opportunity and affordability
Shorter commutes
Growing cultural scenes
Easier access to nature
Cons:
Fewer niche job opportunities
Less anonymity
Slower nightlife
Small Towns or Rural Areas
Pros:
Lower housing costs
Quiet and space
Tight-knit communities
Cons:
Limited services
Fewer job options
Less diversity
Travel required for specialized healthcare or amenities
The best choice depends on your stage of life and priorities — not trends.
If You’re Single, Couple, Family, or Retired — It Changes Everything
Your household structure heavily influences where you’ll thrive.
Singles
Dating pool size
Social activities
Walkability
Career networking
Couples
Shared lifestyle priorities
Career compromise
Housing needs
Community fit
Families
Schools
Safety
Childcare availability
Parks and family services
Retirees
Healthcare access
Taxes
Pace of life
Community engagement
A city that’s perfect for a young professional may feel isolating for a retiree or overwhelming for a family.
Renting First Is Often the Smartest Move
One of the safest ways to answer “Where should I move?” is to test the waters.
Benefits of renting first:
Learn neighbourhoods before committing
Understand commuting patterns
Experience seasonal changes
Build local connections
Avoid buyer’s remorse
Even a 6- or 12-month rental can save years of regret.
Research Is Important — But Don’t Over-Research
Data matters, but paralysis is real.
Useful research includes:
Cost of living comparisons
Job market reports
Crime trends
School ratings
Healthcare access
Less helpful:
“Best city” lists with no context
Influencer opinions
One-size-fits-all rankings
Balance research with intuition. If a place consistently excites you and aligns with your priorities, that matters.
Visiting Like a Local (Not a Tourist)
If possible, visit your top choices before moving.
When you visit:
Stay in a residential neighbourhood
Shop at grocery stores
Commute during rush hour
Walk around at night
Talk to locals
Visit in bad weather, not just peak season
Tourist experiences hide daily realities.
Questions That Help You Decide Faster
If you’re torn between locations, ask:
Where would I stress less financially?
Where would I recover faster from a bad week?
Where can I imagine staying for five years?
Where would my future self thank me?
The answer isn’t always the most exciting option — it’s often the most sustainable one.
When There Is No Perfect Answer
Sometimes multiple places make sense. That’s okay.
In those cases:
Choose the one with the lowest risk
Choose the one that’s easiest to leave if needed
Choose the one that supports your current life stage
Moves don’t have to be permanent to be worthwhile.
Final Thoughts: The Best Place to Move Is the One That Supports the Life You Want
There is no universally “best” city, province, or state. There is only the place that best supports:
Your financial reality
Your mental health
Your relationships
Your goals
If you approach your decision with honesty, clarity, and realistic expectations, your move is far more likely to feel like a step forward — not a gamble.
And remember: choosing where to move isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about choosing alignment.
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right team on your side. Two Amigos offers professional, full-service moving designed to protect your belongings and your peace of mind. From careful packing and secure loading to reliable transportation and clear communication, we manage every step of your move with precision. Whether you’re relocating locally, long-distance, or internationally, you can count on experience that delivers. Request your free quote today and discover how easy moving can be with Two Amigos.
Where Should I Move in the U.S.? A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Place for Your Life
Asking “Where should I move in the U.S.?” sounds simple, but it’s one of the biggest life decisions you can make. The United States is enormous, diverse, and deeply regional. Moving from one state to another can feel like moving to an entirely different country — culturally, financially, and socially.
This isn’t about naming the “best” city or state overall. There is no universal best. Instead, it’s about helping you figure out where you should move, based on your lifestyle, budget, career goals, values, and stage of life.
If you approach this decision thoughtfully, a move can dramatically improve your quality of life. If you rush it or follow trends blindly, it can create stress, regret, or financial pressure. Let’s break it down the right way.
Step One: Why Are You Moving?
Before you compare states or cities, you need clarity on your motivation. Most moving mistakes happen when people skip this step.
Common reasons people move within the U.S. include:
Lower cost of living
Career opportunities or job relocation
Remote work flexibility
Better weather or climate
Lifestyle change (slower pace, outdoor access, urban living)
Being closer to family
Retirement or downsizing
Divorce, separation, or fresh start
Your reason matters more than any list of popular destinations. A city that’s perfect for career growth may be terrible for retirement. A low-cost state might feel limiting if you’re chasing opportunity.
Write down your top three reasons for moving and rank them. These become your decision filter.
Define the Life You Want — Not the One You Think You Should Want
It’s easy to be influenced by social media, rankings, or friends’ opinions. Instead, focus on what your daily life would look like.
Ask yourself:
What does a good weekday look like?
How do you want to spend your weekends?
Do you prefer quiet or energy?
Do you want space or convenience?
How important is community, nightlife, or nature?
For example:
If you value peace and space, a dense downtown may feel exhausting.
If you thrive on social interaction, a quiet suburb could feel isolating.
If outdoor time keeps you sane, geography matters more than nightlife.
The best place to move is the one that supports your everyday life, not just your weekends or vacations.
Cost of Living: The Full Picture Matters
Many people move to “save money” but only look at rent or home prices. True cost of living is much broader.
Key factors to compare:
Housing (rent or mortgage)
Property taxes
State and local income taxes
Sales taxes
Utilities and insurance
Transportation (car dependency vs transit)
Healthcare costs
Childcare and education
For example, a state with no income tax may have high property taxes or insurance costs. A cheap housing market might come with long commutes or limited job options.
Instead of asking “Where is cheapest?”, ask:
Where can I live comfortably on my income without constant financial stress?
Employment, Income, and Long-Term Stability
Even if you work remotely, local economies still matter. Job markets influence wages, housing demand, and future flexibility.
Consider:
What industries dominate the region?
Are there multiple employers in your field?
Is the economy diversified or dependent on one sector?
How resilient is the job market during downturns?
Major employment hubs include:
New York City (finance, media, tech)
San Francisco Bay Area (tech, startups)
Austin (tech, creative industries)
Seattle (tech, aerospace)
Atlanta (corporate, logistics)
Dallas and Houston (energy, business, healthcare)
Mid-sized cities often offer strong job markets with lower costs and less competition.
Climate: Don’t Underestimate Its Impact
Weather affects your mood, energy, and lifestyle far more than most people expect.
Ask yourself:
Can you handle extreme heat or humidity?
How do you feel about cold winters or snow?
Do you need sunshine to feel motivated?
Are you okay with natural risks like hurricanes, wildfires, or drought?
Some people thrive in four-season climates. Others feel miserable without warmth and sun. There’s no right answer — only honesty.
Urban, Suburban, or Rural: Know Your Comfort Zone
Large Cities
Pros:
Career opportunities
Cultural diversity
Entertainment and dining
Public transit
Cons:
High cost of living
Smaller living spaces
Noise and congestion
Suburbs
Pros:
More space
Better schools
Quieter lifestyle
Family-friendly
Cons:
Car dependency
Less nightlife
Longer commutes
Small Towns or Rural Areas
Pros:
Lower housing costs
Peace and quiet
Tight-knit communities
Cons:
Limited job options
Fewer services
Social isolation for some
Your ideal environment often changes with age, family status, and career stage.
Regional Breakdown: What Each Part of the U.S. Offers
Northeast
Best for: Career density, education, culture
Includes states like New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Strong job markets but high housing costs. Four distinct seasons.
Southeast
Best for: Affordability, warmer climate, growing cities
States like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida attract movers seeking lower costs and lifestyle changes.
Midwest
Best for: Value, stability, family life
States like Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin offer affordability, space, and steady job markets.
Southwest
Best for: Sunshine, growth, affordability
Arizona, Texas, and parts of Nevada attract people seeking warm weather and job opportunities.
West Coast
Best for: Innovation, lifestyle, natural beauty
California, Oregon, and Washington offer strong job markets but high housing costs and competition.
Mountain States
Best for: Outdoor lifestyle, space
Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Montana attract people who prioritize nature and recreation.
Single, Couple, Family, or Retired? It Changes Everything
Singles
Dating pool size
Social opportunities
Walkability
Career networking
Couples
Career compromise
Housing goals
Lifestyle alignment
Families
Schools
Safety
Healthcare
Space and affordability
Retirees
Taxes
Healthcare access
Pace of life
Climate
A city perfect for a single professional may feel overwhelming or impractical for a family or retiree.
Renting First Is Often the Smartest Decision
If possible, rent before buying. This allows you to:
Learn neighbourhoods
Experience seasonal changes
Understand commute patterns
Build local connections
Avoid costly mistakes
Even a short-term lease can provide clarity.
Visit Like a Local, Not a Tourist
When visiting potential cities:
Stay in residential neighbourhoods
Grocery shop
Commute during rush hour
Walk around at night
Talk to locals
Visit outside peak tourist season
Tourist experiences hide everyday realities.
Questions That Help You Decide Faster
If you’re torn between options, ask:
Where would I stress less financially?
Where could I realistically build a future?
Where would my mental health improve?
Where would my future self thank me?
These questions often cut through indecision.
When There Is No Clear Answer
Sometimes multiple places make sense. In those cases:
Choose the place with the lowest risk
Choose the place easiest to leave if needed
Choose the place that supports your current life stage
Moves don’t have to be permanent to be successful.
Final Thoughts: The Right Place Is the One That Supports Your Life
There is no single best state or city in the U.S. There is only the place that best supports:
Your financial reality
Your mental health
Your relationships
Your goals
If you make this decision thoughtfully — based on your values rather than trends — your move is far more likely to feel like a step forward.
Every move is a fresh start—and it should begin the right way. With Two Amigos, you get trusted movers who treat your belongings like their own. We combine expert logistics, transparent pricing, and hands-on service to deliver smooth, worry-free relocations of any distance. From start to finish, your move is handled with care and accountability. Get your free moving estimate today and let Two Amigos take the weight off your shoulders.
Where Should I Move in Canada? A Practical Guide to Finding the Right Place for Your Next Chapter
Canada is a vast, diverse country, and deciding where to live within it can feel overwhelming. From bustling global cities to quiet prairie towns, coastal communities to mountain hubs, each province — and even each city — offers a very different version of life.
If you’re asking “Where should I move in Canada?”, chances are you’re not just looking for a list of popular cities. You’re trying to figure out where you’ll actually thrive. This section is designed to help you do exactly that by breaking down the decision in a practical, honest way.
Instead of telling you where everyone else is moving, we’ll focus on how to choose the right place for you.
Start With Your Reason for Moving
Before comparing provinces or cities, the most important step is understanding why you want to move. Your motivation will shape every other decision.
Common reasons Canadians move include:
Lower cost of living
Career advancement or job relocation
Closer proximity to family
Lifestyle change (slower pace, access to nature, warmer or colder climate)
Buying a home
Retirement or downsizing
Education
A fresh start after a life change
Someone moving for affordability will look at very different places than someone moving for career growth or lifestyle. Be honest with yourself and rank your priorities. A move works best when it solves your biggest pain points.
Cost of Living: More Than Just Housing Prices
Housing is usually the biggest expense, but it’s not the only one that matters. Two cities with similar rent prices can feel very different financially.
When comparing locations, consider:
Rent or home prices
Property taxes
Provincial income tax
Sales tax
Utilities and insurance
Transportation costs
Childcare and education
Healthcare access
For example, some provinces have lower housing costs but higher taxes or fewer high-paying jobs. Others have strong job markets but high rent. The goal isn’t to live in the cheapest place — it’s to live where your income stretches comfortably.
Employment and Economic Opportunities
Even if you work remotely, local economies matter. Job markets influence wages, housing demand, and long-term stability.
Ask:
What industries dominate the region?
Are there multiple employers in your field?
Is the economy diversified or dependent on one sector?
Are wages keeping up with cost of living?
Major employment hubs include:
Toronto and the GTA (finance, tech, media, healthcare)
Vancouver (tech, film, trade, tourism)
Calgary and Edmonton (energy, engineering, healthcare)
Montreal (tech, aerospace, creative industries)
Waterloo Region and Ottawa (tech, government)
Smaller cities can offer strong opportunities too, especially in healthcare, trades, education, and public service.
Climate and Geography: Be Honest About What You Can Handle
Canada’s climate varies dramatically. Weather impacts mood, lifestyle, and daily routines more than most people expect.
Consider:
How do you feel about long winters?
Can you handle cold temperatures or heavy snow?
Do you prefer dry or humid climates?
How important is sunshine?
West Coast winters are mild but rainy. Prairie winters are cold but sunny. Atlantic Canada has strong seasons and coastal weather. Ontario and Quebec experience hot summers and cold winters.
There’s no “best” climate — only what you personally tolerate and enjoy.
Big City, Mid-Sized City, or Smaller Community?
Canada offers every size of community, each with trade-offs.
Large Cities
Examples: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal
Pros:
Career opportunities
Cultural diversity
Public transit
Entertainment and dining
Cons:
High housing costs
Smaller living spaces
Traffic and congestion
Mid-Sized Cities
Examples: Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Halifax, Kitchener-Waterloo
Pros:
Better balance of affordability and opportunity
Shorter commutes
Growing cultural scenes
Cons:
Fewer niche career options
Less nightlife variety
Small Cities and Towns
Examples: Red Deer, Moncton, Medicine Hat, Prince George
Pros:
Lower housing costs
Quiet lifestyle
Strong community feel
Cons:
Limited job markets
Fewer amenities
Less anonymity
Your life stage plays a big role here. What works at 25 may not work at 45 or 65.
Province-by-Province Overview
Ontario
Best for: Career growth, diversity, education, healthcare
Ontario offers Canada’s largest job market and most diverse cities. Toronto is expensive, but mid-sized cities like London, Kingston, Guelph, and Windsor offer more affordability while staying connected.
Downside: Housing costs and congestion in major centres.
British Columbia
Best for: Lifestyle, nature, mild climate
BC attracts people who value outdoor living and scenery. Vancouver is costly, but cities like Kelowna, Kamloops, Nanaimo, and Prince George provide alternatives.
Downside: High housing costs and limited affordability in popular areas.
Alberta
Best for: Affordability, income potential
Alberta offers some of the best income-to-housing ratios in Canada, especially in Calgary and Edmonton. No provincial sales tax is a major advantage.
Downside: Economic cycles tied to energy and colder winters.
Saskatchewan
Best for: Stability, affordability, space
Saskatchewan offers low housing costs, steady employment, and a slower pace of life. Saskatoon and Regina are popular choices.
Downside: Limited big-city amenities and harsh winters.
Manitoba
Best for: Value, community, central location
Winnipeg provides strong cultural amenities with relatively affordable housing. Manitoba suits people who want stability and space.
Downside: Cold winters and slower job growth in some sectors.
Quebec
Best for: Culture, affordability, lifestyle
Montreal offers big-city life at a lower cost than Toronto or Vancouver. Smaller cities like Quebec City and Sherbrooke are appealing too.
Downside: French language requirements in many jobs.
Atlantic Canada
Best for: Slower pace, affordability, community
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador attract people seeking lifestyle over hustle. Halifax is a growing hub.
Downside: Smaller job markets and lower wages in some sectors.
Northern Canada
Best for: Adventure, unique careers
Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut offer high wages and unique experiences for the right person.
Downside: Isolation, cost of goods, and limited services.
Families, Singles, and Retirees: Different Needs, Different Places
Families
Prioritize:
Schools
Safety
Healthcare
Housing space
Mid-sized cities often provide the best balance.
Singles and Young Professionals
Prioritize:
Job opportunities
Social scene
Walkability
Large or growing cities often work best.
Retirees
Prioritize:
Healthcare access
Taxes
Pace of life
Climate
Smaller cities or Atlantic Canada are popular choices.
Renting Before Buying Is Often the Smart Move
If possible, rent first. This lets you:
Learn neighbourhoods
Experience winter and summer
Understand commuting patterns
Avoid costly mistakes
Even a short-term rental can provide clarity.
Visit Like a Local, Not a Tourist
If you can visit before moving:
Stay outside tourist areas
Visit grocery stores
Commute during rush hour
Walk around at night
Talk to locals
Day-to-day life matters more than attractions.
Questions That Help Narrow Your Decision
Ask yourself:
Where will I stress less financially?
Where can I realistically build a future?
Where do I feel supported, not stretched?
Where would my future self thank me for moving?
Your answers will often point to the right place.
There Is No Perfect Place — Only the Right Fit
Every city and province has pros and cons. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s alignment with your values, goals, and lifestyle.
A move that supports your mental health, financial stability, and relationships is a successful move — even if it’s not trendy or popular.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering where to move in Canada, take the pressure off yourself. You don’t have to get it “right forever.” You just need to choose the next place that makes sense for who you are now.
Canada offers incredible variety. With thoughtful planning and honest reflection, you can find a place that feels less like a compromise and more like home.
Your move deserves more than shortcuts and guesswork. Two Amigos provides dependable moving services built on planning, professionalism, and care. Our experienced crews handle everything from packing and transport to storage and delivery, ensuring your move stays on schedule and stress-free. No hidden fees, no surprises—just reliable service from a team that knows how to move properly. Contact Two Amigos today for a personalized quote and start your move with confidence.
